This one really got to me.

100-Year-Old Gets McDonald's Birthday Party
McDonald's Employees Surprise Michigan Woman

BRIGHTON, Mich. -- A Michigan woman has celebrated her 100th birthday at the same eatery she's visited regularly for the past 15 years -- McDonald's. Georgia Boynton stopped last week at the restaurant in Brighton for her customary hamburger and coffee. She got a surprise party with cake and balloons.

Restaurant manager Irene Burelle said that when staffers realized last year that Boynton was 99 they decided to do something special for her next birthday.

They made sure family members would bring her in for her birthday last Wednesday.

Boynton told the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus that she doesn't feel 100 years old. She said her longevity secret is loving her family and being happy.

Brighton is about 35 miles northwest of Detroit.

VIA

Do you like to paint, exercise, or make blended drinks?

Well if so...

Via Chiraag

Hero; Yoga

Bette Calman. 83 and still teaching yoga. Right ON.
"I'm proof that if you keep at it, you'll get there. I can do more now than I could 50 years ago."

via: boingboing

A recommendation

God Grew Tired of Us is a totally compelling story of some Sudanese refugees who are given the chance to come to America and we then get to see our world through their eyes.
It reminded me how complicated and wonderful and awful life can be. I cried a minimum of 6 times. It was really good. Like important good - not lighthearted good.

Good Paintings of Barack Obama

At www.badpaintingsofbarackobama.com.

via: www.subtraction.com

Devastated

Tonight the Parkway Speakeasy Theater is closing and I am grief stricken.

This Oakland institution has been around since 1926 and the most recent "Speakeasy" incarnation has been open since 1997 (which also happens to be the year I arrived in California - adding personal poignancy). Gone now are the days of being able to walk 2 blocks out my front door and catch a second run flick while enjoying beer and pizza on a couch for $5. They also often held fundraisers and played the classics (Desperately Seeking Susan, Blade Runner, Spinal Tap and others) many of which became my one and only opportunity to see these gems on the big screen.

I am now moving through the second stage of mourning - anger. We just tried to go see the final showing of "Let the Right One In" and cry a salty tear in the dark - but we were turned away. All final shows were "Sold Out". How will I find closure?

Farewell old friend, the neighborhood won't be the same without you.

Haitus Interrupted - For Kumar. For the love of Chai.

First: How not to make the chai.
Last: Feel sleepy.

Listen up people. Let's get this right.

Big Ups to Chiraag

So Awesome! But Endangered - Oh Crap!

These creatures are amazing and sadly endangered. I am especially fascinated by the Glass Frog (shown above), the Chinese Giant Salamander and the Giant Coconut Crab - they don't even look real! Oooh and the Mexican Walking Fish - so pink and cute!

via

Oh Dang!

Oh my gosh - YES ! ! !

via & via

{Credit Crisis Explained}

From: xplane via Peter at work.

Hands Free

In California it is now illegal to drive and talk on your cell phone at the same time. So you need to get a hands free kit, or.....keep a rubber band handy. An elegant solution I think.

Don't Get Scammed

"Dear Staff at Russian Scam Check, I can't thank you enough for the job you have done for me! I love your company! I will be using your services every time I think I'm in love :)))) It's nice to know there is someone on the side of all of the people getting scammed out there. I was one of them before I got educated. With your help I can feel safe writing to ladies. I hope you are in business for a long time. Thanks Again, Sincerely, Mel S. "

Janurary 19 , 2007 - Mel S. (Mission Viejo CA, USA)

Two of My Favorite Things!

I was ordering some chocolates for an event we are putting on at work. To my extreme delight I discovered Recchiuti (an amazing local chocolate maker) has teamed up with Creativity Explored to make these awesome limited edition chocolates. Marvelous I say!

Soft Spot for Oakland

I was playing around in Photoshop and made this Oakland skyline. I feel a real East Bay Pride. I've been here 10 years now, my anniversary was in September, and I've had an awesome time.

Do you really want to know?

I've worked in food service and I've seen what can go on behind the swinging door. Now we can all see some stats (at least those of us near S.F.*).
Visit CleanScores.com if you really want to know what the Health Department found on it's last inspection of the restaurant you just ate at.
What a relief to see my favorite crepe place Ti Couz with a 97/100!
Too bad about the "inadequate hand washing" at Arinell's.

*Apparently this service will be available in most major metropolitan areas soon. Won't that be fun.

Note: This picture I found was titled "mouseloaf". That reminds me of my latest project which is collecting new and inventive derogatory names. Mouseloaf is perfect. Stay tuned for a comprehensive list.
Speaking of gross food; this is gross but in a different way.